YAKIMA, WASH. — Law enforcement brass will hold a press conference on Tuesday, July 27 to raise awareness about the connection between child abuse and neglect and juvenile crime. Yakima Chief of Police Sam Granato and Sheriff Ken Irwin will release a report showing that thousands of Washington kids become victims of child abuse and neglect every year.
The report will also show that voluntary home visiting programs can cut child abuse and neglect by half and significantly reduce later crime. Chief Granato and Sheriff Irwin will call on state lawmakers and the Governor to continue Washington’s investment in voluntary home-visiting and pursue new federal funding for these services as an effective way to curb child abuse and improve public safety.